Alleged Tahoe arsonist turns himself into police

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A man who allegedly started a fire in the trailer he lived in was arrested for aggravated arson and burglary late Thursday night and is being held on $1,050,000 bail.

Eric Almdale called 911 to turn himself in for a fire he started in a trailer park at 885 James Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe police said.

At 11:18 p.m., police and firefighters responded to a structure fire at unit 41 in the trailer park. Officers assisted with the evacuation of neighboring units and questioned Geraldine McClure, who lives in the unit that caught fire, police said. McClure reportedly told officers that she was awakened by heavy smoke in the home and was able to get out before the fire spread to the front door, but was unsure whether her roommate, Almdale, was still inside.

Shortly after the fire was put out, Almdale called 911 and reportedly admitted that he intentionally started the fire in the trailer because “he was distraught over family matters and matters concerning the owner of the trailer,” police stated in a press release.